Of all the great South Bay weekends and events during the year, the signature Manhattan Beach Hometown Fair is easily among the most enjoyable. The fair offers a little bit for everyone while still managing to keep the feel of a hometown event that promotes the best of the community.

The annual Manhattan Beach Hometown Fair takes place on October 5-6 and again offers activities for the entire family. The activities include game booths where you can test your skills, more than 200 arts & crafts booths that feature many unique artist vendors, a free speech area for political groups and non-profit organizations, and the very popular Kid Country with returning attractions like pony rides and a petting zoo.

For many, the main attractions at the Manhattan Beach Hometown Fair are the food booths and the beer garden. The amazing food selection from the booths on both Dorsey and Live Oak Fields include everything one could imagine, many of which are listed here. The beer garden, located at the North end of the fairgrounds on Dorsey Field, is also a highlight. Friends, neighbors and visitors alike congregate under the sun from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. If you’re a newbie, this review from the 2012 fair will give you an idea of what to expect.

There is also plenty of music at the fair, including the annual battle of the bands on the main stage near the beer garden where six bands will vie for the title. Along with a second stage, there is continuous music being played throughout both days of the fair. Here is this year’s schedule.

Thankfully, since beach parking is at such a premium even on a normal weekend, the fair offers free parking and shuttles that run every 15 minutes throughout both days of the fair. Check the official website for exact shuttle hours and locations.

Keep in mind the Manhattan Beach Hometown Fair is organized by an all-volunteer, non-profit board of directors, and all profits benefit the community. For fair updates and photos of past celebrations, check out their Facebook page.